Vattenfall has signed leases totalling 24 years with Aberdeen Harbour Board, becoming the first offshore wind operator to invest long term in the port’s facilities.

The company is set to establish its construction team’s base within the Regent Centre by next month and also move into a warehouse unit at Commercial Quay. The facilities will support the construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance (O&M), and eventual decommissioning phases of Vattenfall’s more than £300million European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) off the Aberdeen coast.

A team of up to 10 personnel, including skilled offshore wind technicians, will be based at the facilities during the lifetime of the project. The warehouse will undergo a substantial retrofit and the company anticipates moving into the new facilities within Q2 of 2017.

Adam Ezzamel, project director for the EOWDC at Vattenfall, said: “Establishing a long-term centre of operations in Aberdeen has been fundamental to our project plans. We are pleased to have found a suitable location so near to the wind farm with the support of Aberdeen Harbour Board.

“Aberdeen Harbour is a natural fit for our operations while the EOWDC is a flagship project for the region and its Energetica corridor. As a hub of innovation, the project will reinforce the North-east’s global energy status by leading the industry drive towards generating clean and competitive wind energy power.”

Chief executive at Aberdeen Harbour Board, Colin Parker, said: “Whilst Aberdeen Harbour has supported both onshore and offshore renewables projects many times in the past, we very much welcome this long-term commitment to the port by Vattenfall. We believe that our location and modern facilities are ideal to support this work, and this agreement typifies our continued strategy for diversification of harbour activity, to the benefit of the Region.

Turbine supplier, MHI Vestas Offshore wind, will provide a full service agreement for at least the first five years of operations, working together with Vattenfall from the O&M base at Aberdeen Harbour.

Flemming Ougaard, chief operating officer, operations at MHI Vestas Offshore Wind, said: “Vattenfall’s long term commitment to Aberdeen Harbour provides both our construction and operation and maintenance teams with a stable base for the project. The port facilities are first class and provide great access to the site.”

Aberdeen City Council’s Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) has been a long-term partner of the EOWDC.

Chair of AREG and Aberdeen City Councillor, Jean Morrison, said: “We welcome that Vattenfall is to be the first offshore wind operator to invest long term in Aberdeen Harbour’s facilities, as it is a firm commitment to the city and its role as the Energy Capital of Europe.

“The EOWDC is an important part of the city’s future of diversifying our energy industry, accessing new international markets, reducing the cost of offshore wind projects, and creating and safeguarding jobs. Aberdeen City Council, through AREG, welcomes Vattenfall’s commitment to the future of Aberdeen and our ambitions for our energy industry.”

The EOWDC is Scotland’s largest offshore wind test and demonstration facility. It is being developed by Vattenfall-owned Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm Limited. Construction onshore of the innovative 92.4MW, 11-turbine offshore wind scheme started last month with first power expected to generate in summer 2018.

Reliable power and temperature control are vital to any commercial operation to ensure operation stability, optimal production and personnel safety.
With global concerns over raw material scarcity and climate change challenges our landscape is … [ More ]

]]>Ensuring real energy for wind-to-rotor efficiency

Reliable power and temperature control are vital to any commercial operation to ensure operation stability, optimal production and personnel safety.
With global concerns over raw material scarcity and climate change challenges our landscape is increasingly forced to rely on the renewables industry for answers.

A recent wind power network upgrade in Scotland saw Energyst CAT Rental Solutions work in partnership with wind turbine manufacturers and wind farm site operators and landowners. The site infrastructure of 26 wind turbines and equipment displaces annual carbon dioxide quantities of between 48600 & 115000 tonnes.

“Connected to the National Grid, power continuity was of upmost priority for our customer,” said David Gray, Energyst Technical Sales Engineer.

“We supplied a tailored portfolio of generators, HV transformer, loadbank and accompanying cables and equipment to allow the turbines across the 132kV HV power network to be inspected and upgraded as appropriate.”

The four-week project included engineering support to provide 24/7 maintenance throughout the duration and watch keeping personnel, highlighting the benefits of Energyst’s ‘Real Energy’ market position.

Sustainability is an important consideration for Energyst. Rising green credentials and market penetration within the renewables marketplace helps to strengthen their ‘Real Energy’ ethos.

Working with global brand partners, Energyst provide a total solution of Caterpillar CAT power generation and temperature control equipment right across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, serviced from depots in Dublin, West Midlands, Essex, Aberdeen and Leeds.

The programme for constructing the substation and associated cabling works at Blackdog, Aberdeenshire, will begin with work to prepare and secure the site including establishing temporary staff facilities and an access route on site for the onshore project team before work on the substation begins later this autumn.

Adam Ezzamel, the EOWDC project director at project developer Vattenfall, said: “The start of onshore works is a step forward in the EOWDC’s development and we aim to complete this part of the project with minimum disruption to the local community by being a considerate neighbour.

“As part of this, we have held community drop-in sessions where members of the project team and our contractors have been available to address any questions or concerns. We will continue to keep the local community informed of the progress of the project which will help cement Aberdeen’s position as a global energy city and deliver long-term economic benefits to the region.”

The onshore substation and cabling allows power from the 92.4MW test and demonstration project to be exported to the electricity network. The EOWDC is expected to generate on average enough clean, green electricity to power the equivalent of more than 68,000 UK households per annum.

Engineering and infrastructure specialists, J. Murphy & Sons, have been appointed by Vattenfall-owned subsidiary, Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm Ltd, to deliver the onshore substation at Blackdog and the associated cabling.

Aberdeenshire company, Donside Safety, is supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) for all workers on the EOWDC.

Dale Rabey, director at Donside Safety, said: “We are proud to be working in close partnership with Vattenfall for the supply of PPE to ensure the contract for the wind turbines runs smoothly and safely. As a well-established company of over 25 years and a specialist in the oil and gas industry, we are now servicing the wind energy sector where we can bring our expertise to the table to benefit other firms that seek professional safety wear.”

Located off Aberdeen Bay, the more than £300million EOWDC is Scotland’s largest offshore wind test and demonstration facility. The 92.4 MW, 11-turbine offshore wind scheme will deploy next generation technology and as such, the North-east will be home to a world-class hub of clean energy innovation that will help drive down the cost of offshore wind power.

Underlining the vision for the EOWDC, also known as Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm, is the installation of the world’s most powerful turbines. In what will be an industry first, the turbines will be paired with game-changing suction bucket foundations.

The EOWDC, which has been awarded up to €40million of funding from the European Union and is supported by Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG), will generate first power in 2018 and be operational for 20 years.Note: Sole responsibility for this document lies with the author.

The European Union (EU) is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

Issued on behalf of Vattenfall by The BIG Partnership. For further information, please contact Karen Grant on +44 (0)7805 436 957 or karen.grant@bigpartnership.co.uk

Or visit the website: http://corporate.vattenfall.co.uk/projects/wind-energy-projects/european-offshore-wind-deployment-centre/

]]>Scottish Enterprise – Low Carbon Expert Support Programmehttp://www.aberdeenrenewables.com/news/scottish-enterprise-low-carbon-expert-support-programme/8512/
Wed, 12 Oct 2016 10:58:55 +0000http://www.aberdeenrenewables.com/?p=8512The new Low Carbon Heat Expert Support programme offers Scottish-based companies access to free support through a series of workshops and up to two days one-to-one technical market support offering advice and guidance on how to make the most of … [ More ]]]>The new Low Carbon Heat Expert Support programme offers Scottish-based companies access to free support through a series of workshops and up to two days one-to-one technical market support offering advice and guidance on how to make the most of the opportunities in low carbon heat.

Registration is now open for our free upcoming low carbon heat events:

]]>Shell Springboard awards now open for entrieshttp://www.aberdeenrenewables.com/news/shell-springboard-awards-now-open-for-entries/8487/
Wed, 05 Oct 2016 09:55:44 +0000http://www.aberdeenrenewables.com/?p=8487Shell Springboard is now accepting applications from low-carbon businesses for up to £150,000 of equity-free funding.

Shell Springboard provides funding, marketing and networking support to UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with commercially viable business models that help reduce carbon emissions. Awards range from £40,000 to £150,000.

In successful operation in the Gulf of Mexico since 2014, Fugro’s OARS provides … [ More ]

]]>Fugro has identified several specialist operations where its game changing OARS® (Office Assisted Remote Services) solution could bring significant benefits to clients in the offshore renewables sector.

In successful operation in the Gulf of Mexico since 2014, Fugro’s OARS provides direct remote access to offshore survey positioning projects, optimising the number of offshore personnel required to undertake survey operations. From an onshore command centre, operations are monitored and undertaken by Fugro’s survey experts, reducing the costs associated with travel and vessel accommodation.

Fugro is set for new deployments for OARS in vessel positioning, barge positioning, ROV inspection and diving. In addition to optimising resources operators can also take advantage of a cost effective ‘pay-per-use’ programme.

]]>Inverurie Based Renewable Energy Company Secures Six Figure Granthttp://www.aberdeenrenewables.com/news/inverurie-based-renewable-energy-company-secures-six-figure-grant/8433/
Wed, 21 Sep 2016 09:31:14 +0000http://www.aberdeenrenewables.com/?p=8433RENEWABLE energy developer Current2Current Ltd (C2C) has recently secured a Scottish Enterprise R&D feasibility grant of £100,000. The grant is a contribution towards a £260,000 R&D feasibility project the company is undertaking over the next six months. The Aberdeenshire based … [ More ]]]>RENEWABLE energy developer Current2Current Ltd (C2C) has recently secured a Scottish Enterprise R&D feasibility grant of £100,000. The grant is a contribution towards a £260,000 R&D feasibility project the company is undertaking over the next six months. The Aberdeenshire based company have also received match funding from a private investor which, together with the grant from Scottish Enterprise, has enabled further development of their tidal energy converter (TEC).

Generating electricity from ocean currents and tides, the TEC uses the kinetic energy in moving water, transforming it into useful electricity. Having already produced electricity in the North Sea using their prototype platform, C2C are now preparing an extended test program, whilst at the same time powering ahead with the development of TEC4, a pre-production prototype device.

Commenting on the recent grant award from Scottish Enterprise, C2C Managing Director Brian Barnard said: “We are delighted to have received this substantial grant from Scottish Enterprise and are looking forward to the testing of our device later in the year. There appears to be a real appetite for tidal power right now, perhaps due to the predictability of this type of energy conversion”.

“We believe C2C is well placed to become a market leader in the production of renewable electricity and ultimately reaching our goal in helping to bridge the predicted energy gap, whilst reducing the nation’s carbon emissions,” concluded Brian.

Jim Watson, Director of Innovation and Enterprise Services at Scottish Enterprise, said: “As Scotland’s innovation agency, we want every company in every sector to embrace innovation and reap the benefits it brings. It’s fantastic to see companies like C2C developing products that have the potential to generate significant revenue as part of their ambitious global growth plans. We wish them every success with this project.”

The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult is establishing a Wind Blade Research Hub and seeking to collaborate with a UK-based University to accelerate offshore wind turbine blade research and development activities.

The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult is establishing a Wind Blade Research Hub and seeking to collaborate with a UK-based University to accelerate offshore wind turbine blade research and development activities.

The Hub is aimed at building a stronger, complementary offering of academic research, innovation, demonstration and representative testing for the offshore renewable energy sector, and by combining academic and industry skills and resources it will better respond to industry’s needs.

ORE Catapult is seeking submissions from universities interested in joining the Hub, which will help shape ORE Catapult’s future wind blade research and development plan.

Ignacio Marti, ORE Catapult’s Innovation & Research Director, said: “With important challenges ahead in blade design, materials, manufacturing, ancillary systems and sensors, this is an exciting time for blades research, with significant opportunities for product-driven research.

“By pooling existing academic and industry skills and resources, we are better able to respond to industry’s needs, driving forward vital research and helping to leverage further competitive R&D funding and revenue.”

]]>EDF/Innovate UK Innovation Challengehttp://www.aberdeenrenewables.com/news/edfinnovate-uk-innovation-challenge/8422/
Fri, 16 Sep 2016 13:18:42 +0000http://www.aberdeenrenewables.com/?p=8422EDF Energy is funding an Innovation Challenge to stimulate new inspection and monitoring systems. EDF Energy and Innovate UK are working in partnership to run this competition. The aim of this competition is to identify new and innovative ways to inspect … [ More ]]]>EDF Energy is funding an Innovation Challenge to stimulate new inspection and monitoring systems. EDF Energy and Innovate UK are working in partnership to run this competition. The aim of this competition is to identify new and innovative ways to inspect and monitor EDF Energy’s power generation assets. These solutions must be safe, fast, cost effective and accurate.

The competition has 2 themes. EDF Energy has based these themes on existing challenges within its nuclear fleet and EDF Energy Renewables’ offshore wind farms. EDF Energy is seeking proposals for feasibility studies that address these challenges.

The competition is open to businesses of any size, from start-ups to large companies. If you are a business, you can work alone. You can also work with academic partners but a business must lead your project. We particularly welcome innovators from outside the energy sector.

We will consider early stage and well-developed ideas. We will select projects based on how innovative they are and how much value they create. We expect projects to last up to 3 months, with £5,000 to £10,000 for each project.

The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) announced the 2016 Low Carbon Champions last night at the industry’s leading networking dinner, held in association with Cenex LCV2016, in Milton Keynes. The Champions Awards celebrate achievement and innovation in moving … [ More ]

The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) announced the 2016 Low Carbon Champions last night at the industry’s leading networking dinner, held in association with Cenex LCV2016, in Milton Keynes. The Champions Awards celebrate achievement and innovation in moving the UK to lower carbon road transport.

H2 Aberdeen – which has developed a strategy for the introduction of cleaner, hydrogen-powered transport to the Scottish city – and Argent Energy – which has developed a drop‐in diesel replacement for cars, buses and trucks – were jointly presented with the highest accolade; the ‘Grand Prix’, or winner of winners, Award.

Sir Peter Hendy was recognised as the 2016 winner of the Outstanding Individual in Promoting Low Carbon Transport at the celebration. Hosted by Formula E TV presenter and science communicator, Nicki Shields, who was Master of Ceremonies, the event took place at the Double Tree by Hilton, MK Dons Stadium.

The LowCVP Managing Director Andy Eastlake said about the Awards: “All the entries short-listed for the Champions Awards deserve recognition for the contribution they are making to cutting carbon emissions from road transport.

“There is a lot of work still to be done to achieve the long-term objectives set under the Climate Change Act, but the dynamism and determination shown by so many of those involved today shows how UK industry and operators have the drive and potential to achieve them.”

The judges said that Toyota – which won the car manufacturer award – has been a global leader in low emission vehicles, selling over 9 million petrol hybrids. They said that the company has built on this reputation with the introduction of the zero emission hydrogen fuel cell car, Mirai.

The Aberdeen Hydrogen Bus Project – H2 Aberdeen – has introduced Europe’s largest fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses. The project has delivered the UK’s largest hydrogen production and bus refuelling station. The bus companies report that the vehicles are proving to be extremely efficient compared to their diesel equivalents.

Argent Energy manufactures 60 million litres of biodiesel from waste each year. In 2015 Argent supplied high bio‐blend diesel to two major London bus companies. After a year of supplying these companies, the greenhouse gas emission savings will be equivalent to 150 million miles of carbon-free travel, based on DfT figures.

The Champions Awards judging panel was comprised of 22 senior executives from across a range of UK organisations with a stake in the low carbon road transport agenda.

Richard Bruce, Director Energy, Technology and Innovation at the Department for Transport – one of the Awards judges – said: “It’s fantastic to see another array of ground-breaking companies vying for the Low Carbon Champions Awards this year. It’s precisely because of the synergies between environmental improvement and great commercial opportunity – synergies that the ideas and technologies here demonstrate so well – that the UK Government remains so committed to this agenda.”

Alex Burns, President, Millbrook Group, the Champions Awards headline sponsor, said: “It’s encouraging to see so many UK-based organisations committed to cutting carbon emissions and improve air quality. We are pleased to present this award to two fantastic companies, and commend them for their continued good work.

“As an organisation committed to the test, validation and engineering of low carbon transport, Millbrook is proud to present the ‘Grand Prix’ award jointly to H2 Aberdeen and Argent Energy.”

Darran Messem, Chairman of the LowCVP and an Awards Judge said: “The UK vehicle industry continues to push the boundaries of innovation in low carbon technology, production and operation. This is essential to deliver the decarbonisation of transport needed to mitigate the worst effects of climate change and to improve air quality.

“This year’s LowCVP Champions Awards recognise innovation across the transport sector, and all stakeholders in the LowCVP – the Board, the Secretariat and our members – hope this provides further stimulus to all the innovators and operators working hard to deliver low carbon transport.”

Another of the judges, Professor Neville Jackson, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Ricardo UK Ltd, said: “The LowCVP Champions Awards have now been established as a key event in the Automotive technology calendar.

“Both the LowCVP and their awards have played an important part in transforming the low carbon transport sector to provide a dynamic and successful contribution to UK innovation. This has resulted in an expansion of the low carbon agenda, from a few niche vehicles and initiatives to mainstream automotive in recent years.”

“Robert Evans, Chief Executive of Cenex, the organiser of LCV2016, said: “We are pleased to be able to host the LowCVP Low Carbon Champion Awards as part of the Cenex-LCV2016 networking dinner.

“The LCV2016 event brings the low carbon vehicle community together for two days of technology showcasing and networking, with the evening dinner extending this valuable networking time. As an awards judge I commend all those nominated for an Award and congratulate the winners.”